Desert T20: Oman pacers destroy Hong Kong

Oman's pacers wreaked havoc on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi to help their side register their first win in the Desert T20 Challenge and draw level with Scotland and Netherlands (all with 2 points) at the top of the table in Group B.

Bilal Khan, Kaleemullah and Mohammad Nadeem shared six wickets between them as Oman, having opted to bowl first on Monday (January 16), vindicated the decision they made after winning the toss.

Bilal was the destroyer in chief, taking a wicket in each of his first three overs to break the back of Hong Kong's batting line-up. Nizakat Khan, captain Babar Hayat and Anshuman Rath were all out for single digit scores as Hong Kong slumped to 29/4. Aizaz Khan, who had gotten himself to a super start, cracking Kaleemullah for three fours in an over, too fell soon after as Hong Kong's chances of a good score slipped rapidly.

Christopher Carter was the only other batsman to showcase some fight, scoring 17 before being the last man out in Hong Kong's sorry innings of 87-all out.

Hong Kong's reply was anchored by Aqib Ilyas, who scored a rapid 30-ball unbeaten 56, to help their side take the win in the 11th over.

The massive win will give Oman's net run-rate a big boost, furthering their chances of qualification. A win in their final league game, against Scotland, should put them in pole position for a spot in the final four.